People not as awesome as Carol + Carol
It wasn't an answer Tony expected, but Carol's reply to his question was an answer Tony found he liked. So delighted, he let the conversation flow around him, just holding his ground, his examination repurposed like there was a new layer to record and detail, reverse engineer and make one of his very own. A better one, cleaned up without all the messy 'alleged' and 'unknown's in her file. Tony's head just cocked, cigar back between his teeth, fingers curling before his toothy grin but not nearly enough to obscure that appreciation of her self-assurance that lit up in his eyes. This was a project he was sure he wouldn't mind at all.
Whatever that spark was, though, it was hidden behind this strict routine, and Tony had seen enough of that to get the point. "Relax, sweetheart," he suggested, low enough that he might not have been heard if the room were any bigger, "you're doing fine." This time, he didn't hide his smirk, knowing well enough already that she didn't need the reassurance. Maybe that would get her to lash out again, but it wasn't enough for Tony, who continued quickly, schooling his features "I've just got one more question, if it pleases the court." He twisted, looking back at the Director and Steve with raised eyebrows like he might await for their approval, which he didn't. It was just a glance, and he was focused back on Carol, approved enough of himself. Out of all the holes they had to fill about her history, her understanding and what she would bring to the Avengers, how she might fit with the current roster, Tony asked, "You're not a lesbian, are you? You can tell me, I'm totally non-judgmental."